NOTE: I originally posted this a few years ago, but I wanted to repost it to make sure that it wouldn’t get lost in the depths of the internet. It is part of a three-post series. The link to the next post is at the end of this one.
About this time of year, results are starting to be released from the most recent bar exam.
Unfortunately, some people are going to be getting disappointing results.
In my next three posts, I will be discussing how to respond to a bad result on the bar exam.
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First, it is natural to be upset.
There have been several situations in my life where I was not able to achieve something that I worked VERY hard for. It made me angry and bitter.
But, do not let these feelings linger. Cry, yell, scream, curse the world, do whatever your emotions tell you (short of committing a crime, of course) for a little while — for a few hours or maybe even a couple of days.
But, then, gather yourself up, and drop the anger and sadness as much as possible. They are powerful negative emotions that will only serve to interfere with moving forward after this setback.
Next, I would suggest not making any plans about how or when you are going to study for the bar again for at least one week. Get away from the bar exam and the law as best you can.
It is a curious paradox that if we push something away from our lives, it tends to want to come back. Use that to your advantage here.
Work hard to avoid thoughts of the bar exam, so that when you do begin to study again, your experience of the materials will be heightened, and it will be easier to learn what is necessary to pass.
Third, be happy for your friends who did pass.
Jealousy or incredulity (“How the heck did s/he pass? S/he’s an idiot!”) will not help anyone. This is not about other people, but about your relationship to the bar exam testing process.
Finally, consider whether you want to take the bar exam in the next administration.
If you have only a short time to prepare for the upcoming exam session, it might be wise to skip it and target the following session.
Also, if you have any plans that will interfere with solid, committed bar exam preparations, decide whether you can change your plans or if you will need to postpone your bar exam repeat.
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In the next post, I will discuss how to evaluate your bar exam preparation and testing process to learn what went wrong and what you need to change.
P.S. -- Want a FREE copy of my Bar Exam Mind audiobook?
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